The Nintendo Switch 2 is here and it's packed with a few features we’ve been begging for since day one. If the OG Switch was about flexibility, this one’s about pushing boundaries. From sharper visuals to smarter Joy-Cons, here’s everything we know and what we’re hyped to see.

Display Dreams: The Future Is Bright (and 4K)

Lets start with the basics the display. The new display is a decent upgrade: 7.9 inches of LCD goodness at 1080p and 120fps, with full HDR support. Whether you’re racing through futuristic tracks or fighting through dungeons, everything will look smoother and brighter than ever before. And when you dock the Switch 2? You’ll get 4K support on TV, 4K!

Storage, Sound, and Structure: All Leveled Up

The Switch 2 also tackles those “why isn’t this better yet?” issues we’ve all had with storage. It now boasts 256GB of internal storage, which means fewer tough decisions about which games to delete. A huge step up from the measly 32GB we got on the Switch 1… that was crazy small. But as usual, larger storage *doesn’t always* mean that much more space for games since most of the time the game sizes increase with the new gens we’ll just see when it’s out.

Aside from that there are also now two USB-C ports, a bump from one. New 3D audio with improved speakers. A built-in fan (no more overheating nightmares), and a way sturdier kickstand that actually works.

Joy-Con 2: Now With Magnet Magic (and It’s a Mouse?!)

Now let’s talk about what we use the most the JoyCon. The Joy-Con has grown up. The analog sticks and SL/SR buttons are bigger (finally), and the Joy-Cons now snap onto the console magnetically. No more wiggling them in place or hoping they click right and rest assured it does stick in firmly with the magnet.

And the most unexpected feature of all the new Joy-Con can be used as a mouse. Who saw that coming?? That opens the door for a whole new type of game interaction. Expect Nintendo to roll out titles that take advantage of this, from puzzle games to point-and-click adventures. Mouse Mario? Maybe not but we’re curious.

Gaming: Big Titles, Bigger Ambitions & Old Friends

One of the most exciting shifts with the Switch 2 is the serious boost in third-party support. With its upgraded hardware and 4K capabilities, we’re finally seeing heavyweight titles like Elden Ring, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Cyberpunk 2077 heading to the platform. This puts the Switch 2 in a whole new league, bridging the gap between portability and performance. Nintendo fans won't just be limited to family-friendly or first-party titles anymore AAA experiences are now on the menu.

Aside from our newly added games, backwards compatibility is confirmed, meaning your existing Switch library won’t collect dust. You’ll be able to bring your games with you into this next-gen era without missing a beat.

And wait... there’s more. GameCube titles are now playable on the Switch 2, and it's a dream come true for long-time Nintendo fans. Whether it's revisiting classics like Super Smash Bros. Melee or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the Switch 2’s backwards compatibility with GameCube games will let you relive those golden days in full HD. These beloved titles are getting a fresh lease on life plus, with the inclusion of GameCube controller support, it’s like stepping back into your childhood, but better.

A Chat Button Finally Enters The Chat

When the leaked pictures of the Switch 2 first came out earlier in January, everyone was speculating what the “C” button could mean. Most of us thought it was a ‘cast’ button that would let us wirelessly connect to the dock and allow dual-screen gaming. We were… very off, but still pleasantly surprised by what it actually is. The all-new “C” button on the Joy-Con activates in-game voice chat. Thanks to its built-in mic and background noise filtering, you can finally trash-talk your friends mid-race without sounding like you’re underwater in a tunnel.

And it gets better. You can share your screen with friends even if you’re playing completely different games. Want to flex your Smash Bros. combo while your buddy’s mining diamonds in Minecraft? Now you can. And with the Switch 2’s front-facing camera (which I'll get to in a second), you'll actually see your friends’ reactions when you steal a win at the last second.

Accessories Level Up: More Ways to Play

Nintendo’s not just giving the console a glow-up they’re expanding the entire ecosystem. The Switch 2 launches alongside a sleek new Pro Controller with improved ergonomics and adaptive feedback.

For racing fans, there’s the Joy-Con 2 Wheel, perfect for immersive Mario Kart sessions on the big screen or tabletop mode. 

And with the new Switch 2 Camera, video calls and face-to-face game chat become a thing bringing a whole new layer of social interaction to your gameplay. It’s clear Nintendo wants this system to be as versatile socially as it is technically and honestly, I like it.

Launching June 5: Hype Engaged

Mark your calendars June 5 is when it all begins. Whether you’re a hardcore Nintendo fan or someone who’s been casually watching from the sidelines, the new changes are enticing. It’s sleek, powerful, and still just as fun.

So, What Should We Expect?

Expect everything better visuals, smarter social features, more ways to play, more games to play and an even stronger ecosystem. Nintendo’s not just polishing what worked; they’re evolving it. With the Switch 2, they’re proving that handheld gaming can still innovate without losing its charm. This isn’t just a sequel it’s a next-gen leap.

• Share this post: